Inductee — George Crowe

George Crowe

Class of 2004

Birthplace: Whiteland, IN

Player

Biography:

Currently residing in Gold City, California George was born in Whiteland, Indiana and went to Franklin High School and Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis). When George graduated high school in 1939 he became the first Mr. Basketball selected by Indiana. Following graduation from college in 1943 he spent until 1946 in the military.

In 1947 48 he played for the New York Black Yankees in the Negro National League and from 1949-51 in the farm system of the Boston Braves. In April of 1952 he made is major league debut with Boston Braves of the National League. From 1953-55 he played with the Braves (Milwaukee) before being traded to Cincinnati where he played from 56-58, and then to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959-60.

In 1957 for Reds he hit 31 home runs and had 92 RBIs. George was selected to play in the All Star Game in 1958 by players. In 1960 with the Cardinals he set a major league record with 14 pinch hit homers. He was the first Indiana born African American to play in major leagues.

He and wife Yvonne had two children, Adrienne and Pamela, and they have two grandsons.